From a small town and nervous about attending an Ivy League university, Lauren made the leap after discovering Cornell’s Urban and Regional Studies program — a perfect match for her interest in urban real estate and related topics such as transportation and economic development. Now, as a proud member of the Big Red Marching Band, Big Red Pep Band, Cornell University Indoor Drumline, and the JAM Program House, her love of music has played an essential role in finding a home and community at Cornell.

As an Urban and Regional Studies major in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), Sebastian wears many hats: VP of the Organization of Urban and Regional Studies, an AAP Ambassador, an Outdoor Odyssey Guide, part of Community Crew, and a member of Greek life. And within AAP's tight-knit community of creative thinkers, Sebastian has found unwavering support and invaluable connections — a home away from home where he can freely express himself.

Sara, an international architecture student from India, finds Cornell to be a melting pot of brilliance and compassion filled with individuals who strive to make the world a better place. The entrepreneurial spark flickers within her, and she aspires to shape the world through her own venture after graduation, envisioning a future where design and business intersect.

The small class size of the Urban and Regional Studies major has provided Lauren with a tight-knit community of like-minded peers within the larger university. Academically, her passion lies in understanding how laws impact urban poverty and quality of life, leading her to pursue a public policy minor to study the real-world consequences of government decisions.

As an AAP Ambassador within the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Melaina bridges her love for art with her commitment to community. The BFA program allows her to explore diverse interests through elective classes while, outside of the classroom, she revels in all of the activities available at a large university. Melaina’s journey at Cornell is a canvas painted with passion, community, and boundless creativity.